Voting and elections

Definition

Voting and elections are the processes through which citizens choose their government representatives in a democracy. The U.S. uses a combination of primary elections, general elections, and the Electoral College (for presidential races) to select leaders at local, state, and federal levels.

Examples

  • The 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age from 21 to 18
  • Voter turnout in U.S. presidential elections typically ranges from 50-65% of eligible voters
  • Swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin often determine presidential election outcomes
Key Fact

The Electoral College requires 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Related Terms

Electoral process Two-party system Political parties Amendments

Study This Concept

Practice voting and elections with free review games in these units:

AP U.S. Government and Politics Unit 5: Political Participation